Rosberg on how Hamilton rivalry soured at Mercedes

Nico Rosberg has explained how his relationship with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes deteriorated after the pair joined the team as friends for the 2013 Formula 1 season. Tension first surfaced at the 2014 Belgian Grand Prix, where the two collided on lap two and both lost out to Daniel Ricciardo.

Rosberg described the breakdown as a gradual process rather than a single incident, saying the rivalry became more intense with each flashpoint. He also said the booing from Hamilton's fans at Spa was difficult to handle mentally.

Ahead of 2016, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff swapped mechanics and engineers between the two cars. Rosberg said the move came after the rivalry had begun to hurt the team's internal cooperation.